City upgrade good for kids, environment
Hollister residents are getting an upgrade to many local parks,
thanks to a grant and some clever planning by local officials.
Hollister officials are moving ahead on replacing the sand at
six area parks’ playgrounds, including Tony Aguirre Park, John Z.
Hernandez Park, Dunne Park, Las Brisas Park, Frank Klauer Park and
Valley View Park. In its place, they’re installing a ground-up
material made from tires – a use that is environmentally sound
while offering a safer option for physical activities.
City upgrade good for kids, environment
Hollister residents are getting an upgrade to many local parks, thanks to a grant and some clever planning by local officials.
Hollister officials are moving ahead on replacing the sand at six area parks’ playgrounds, including Tony Aguirre Park, John Z. Hernandez Park, Dunne Park, Las Brisas Park, Frank Klauer Park and Valley View Park. In its place, they’re installing a ground-up material made from tires – a use that is environmentally sound while offering a safer option for physical activities.
The city can move forward with the idea because it got a $150,000 grant from Integrated Waste Management for the materials. Hollister has contracted with a local supplier, West Coast Rubber Recycling, so it also keeps the business in town, always an added bonus.
City leaders deserve credit for not only upgrading the experience for families at local parks, but also for doing it at no cost to the struggling Hollister tax base.
Parks are, and should be, a cornerstone of the community. They provide avenues for physical fitness – a necessity considering the high rates of obesity and other ailments triggered by inactivity. They provide a safe place for children to play and exercise. They provide a gathering place for community events. And they have potential to affect property values.
So even during such difficult economic times, it makes sense to upgrade when possible. The new material on the local playgrounds should cut down on injuries from accidents. A tire surface also is generally cleaner and less prone to Hollister’s population of feral or outdoor cats using the playground areas as their personal litter boxes – which has been one of the most troubling outcomes from using sand. And the material recovers more promptly from the effects of rainstorms.
Overall, the replacement goes a long way to improve recreational opportunities for families and kids, and to enhance the image of the park experience in Hollister.
